According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases (like asthma). And according to the Environmental Protection Agency, it can increase a person’s risk of developing pneumonia and even heart disease.

Here’s a few ideas and suggestions to counteract that wintertime stuffiness:

Consider plants-Not only can they clean and purify interior air, they also provide aesthetic beauty and appeal to any home. Plants help remove benzene (an irritant that causes headache, nausea and blurred vision, among other things), formaldehyde (another irritant that causes watery eyes and wheezing), other toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are unhealthy to breathe.

Aloe and Gerber daisies are great choices, for example (be sure to provide plenty of sunlight for these plants).

Bathe your pets regularly during the winter-Because they’re also spending more time indoors, there’s going to be more buildup of fur and pet dander (the skin flakes in an animal’s fur or hair that can set off allergic reactions). You may want to wash down any animal bedding in hot water weekly as well.

When weather’s permitting, open the windows; if possible, also crack them open whenever cleaning the house (consider using just soap and water to clean up when feasible). After cooking a big meal, turn on the kitchen exhaust fan to allow fresh air in.

After using the vacuum cleaner, take out the mop and a bucket of water, and go over the floors to scoop up any lingering dust (if you have time for this).

Ban indoor smoking-This habit drastically reduces indoor air quality (even putting nonsmokers at risk); did you know that cigarette smoke has more than 4,000 chemicals? And be careful with wood-burning stoves, fireplaces (built-up soot and smoke), incense and lighted candles (not only built-up pollution, but possible allergies).

Sources: “These Plants Can Improve Indoor Air Quality”-Fall Home-The Vindicator, September 27, 2014, “How to improve indoor air quality in winter”-Metro Creative Services, Home Improvement-The Vindicator, September 19, 2015 and “Improve indoor air quality as winter approaches” by MetroServices, Valley Homes-The (Sunday) Vindicator,Nov. 17, 2013